BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Rudy Askew holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from The University of Virginia and has worked in sales, marketing, and management within the scientific instrumentation industry, including founding two companies and serving as President of ILMVAC LP. A former 1st chair baritone horn player in the Virginia All-State Band, he has numerous musical achievements from his high school years. Rudy resides in Punta Gorda, is an active member of several clubs, and enjoys hobbies like scrimshaw, glasswork, photography, and boating.

Cheryl Berlon has been deeply involved in numerous non-profit organizations, relief efforts, and political campaigns, beginning with her endowment of the Hands Up Grants fund at the Charlotte Community Foundation in honor of her late husband. This fund helps individuals facing financial hardships due to unforeseen expenses, and Cheryl has continued to bring people together for fundraising and support. Recently, she joined the Board of Directors of The Florida Philharmonic and looks forward to contributing to the region’s musical future.

Tammy Kilgore, a two-time Salisbury University graduate, served as Chairman of the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra Advisory Board before becoming its manager, her dream job. Passionate about classical music, she is excited to join The Florida Philharmonic’s Board of Directors and bring her extensive experience in music and marketing to Punta Gorda’s arts scene. She and her husband, Brian, own Eastern Shore Coffee & Water, and their sons, Troy Cash and Jordan Kilgore, both work professionally in the performing arts.

Ming Gao is the Concertmaster of The Florida Philharmonic and Associate Concertmaster of the Naples Philharmonic, with past leadership roles in the Nanjing Experimental Orchestra and Eastman Philharmonia. He has performed with numerous symphony orchestras, including the Youngstown, Harrisburg, and Chautauqua symphonies, and participated in music festivals across the U.S., Germany, and China. Ming also teaches as an adjunct violin professor at Florida Gulf Coast University and has performed as a soloist with orchestras such as the Naples Philharmonic and Jiang Su Provincial Symphony Orchestra.

Richard Stoelzel, Artistic and Music Director of The Florida Philharmonic, has had a distinguished career as both a performer and educator. His global performances as a trumpeter and leadership roles, including at McGill University's Schulich School of Music, highlight his influence on musical ensembles and education. His advocacy for new music and success in mentoring students further solidify his impact on contemporary classical music and brass performance.